Well, the answer depends on the type of ovarian cysts you have. As women, we have various changes that we undergo every month; to exact, during the period. To be precise, during this time, hormones stimulate the follicles in your ovary to grow and as a result, you will release a mature egg that is fertilized for pregnancy to occur.
However, women with certain types of cysts are at risk of irregular periods, heavy bleeding, interrupted bleeding, or infertility in general.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
An ovarian cyst is a circular or oval sac filled with fluid within your ovary. During the period, it is normal for these tiny or small cysts to develop and they usually dissolve at the end of the menstrual period.
Cysts in this category impose no infertility risks or any other risks, however, a woman will certainly experience a variety of symptoms in case these cysts enlarge or become numerous.
What are the Normal Cysts?
As a woman, you will never know the normal cysts or the abnormal cysts, unless you get a diagnosis. The below-mentioned cysts are believed to impose no health or infertility risks.
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Functional Cysts
These fall under the category of follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts. They are the commonest types of cysts that develop during the menstrual cycle. These cysts have no effect on your chances of getting pregnant as they develop and dissolve normally.
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Dermoid Cysts
Dermoid cysts are believed to occur at birth and are filled with fluid, hair, teeth, or skin glands. Dermoid cysts in an ovary won’t cause infertility.
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Cystadenomas
These cysts or growths emerge from the ovarian surface epithelium. According to NCBI, these cysts can become oversized, meaning that they have to be treated.
Cysts Associated With Infertility
At least two types of ovarian cysts are known to trigger infertility in women. These include;
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
These types of cysts result from the increased number of cysts in your ovary. At least one million women in India are diagnosed with PCOS and it is one of the commonest causes of infertility.
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Endometriomas
These types of cysts develop from a condition known as endometriosis. They develop in case the endometrial tissue grows within the ovary.
How are Cysts Diagnosed?
Normally, cysts can be diagnosed through regular gynecology checkups in what in called a pelvic examination. Other clinical diagnosis approaches include;
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CT Scan
Also known as a computed tomography scan, the procedure creates various cross-sectional images of the interior and exterior of your ovaries.
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Ultrasound
This procedure utilizes high-frequency sound waves that create images of your ovary on the screen.
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MRI Scan
An MRI is a last resort for detecting cysts. The procedure uses magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your ovary.
Do I Have Cysts?
Cysts are generally unnoticeable in the earlier stages, however, severe cysts will induce various symptoms like;
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Abdominal or pelvic pain
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The need to urinate more frequently
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Menstrual changes such as irregular or heavier periods
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Fatigue
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Indigestion
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Pain during sexual intercourse
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Painful Bowel movements
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Extreme pain during month periods
How Are Cysts Treated?
Drugs are an immediate approach to treating cysts and in other cases, surgery may be required to remove them from the ovaries. Other ways of reducing the effect and chances of developing cysts are through living a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.
